Cheshvan 5785 / November 2024

Each Jewish month begins with the first sighting of the new moon – the Rosh Chodesh, or “head of the month” in Hebrew. Like the moon, the Jewish people have experienced many phases of waxing and waning throughout history, yet our light has never been extinguished. It’s in this spirit that we are delighted to introduce Rosh Chodesh Reflections. While JFCS proudly serves clients of all faith traditions and backgrounds, our work is deeply rooted in and inspired by Jewish values. We believe these monthly letters, timed with each new moon, will create a meaningful opportunity to share our story with all of you, our extended JFCS family.

As we embrace the quiet of Cheshvan, the month that follows our vibrant High Holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on the countless moments of connection and healing within our community. This past month has touched our hearts in so many ways. On October 22, we had the honor of participating in Camden County’s annual Jefferson Medal Ceremony at the beautiful Camden County Boathouse. This cherished tradition pays tribute to local veterans who have served our country with distinction, and this year, ten remarkable individuals were recognized, including our own client, August Norton, who proudly served in the US Navy. One story particularly moves us – that of a veteran who previously struggled with painful commutes to the VA Medical Center, taking multiple trains and buses despite severe neuropathy. Through our Take the Wheel program, volunteer drivers have provided him with 125 door-to-door rides. As he told us, “JFCS has been a life saver… just like a guardian angel.” These moments remind us how seemingly small acts of kindness can profoundly impact someone’s life.

Our community’s generosity throughout our High Holiday food drives has been extraordinary – with over 1,400 bags of food now filling the shelves of our Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry. As we watch our wonderful volunteers sorting these donations, we are reminded of how our community comes together to care for one another, especially as the need for food support continues to grow. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this vital effort.

Looking ahead, we’re deeply moved to mark the ten-year milestone of our One Step at a Time addiction awareness and prevention program. A decade ago, amidst the escalating opioid epidemic, JFCS recognized an urgent need to address this crisis within our suburban Jewish community, dispelling the misconception that addiction only affects urban areas. This program was born from profound loss – when our former Board member Gregg Wolfe tragically lost his beloved son Justin to a heroin overdose in 2012. In his grief, Gregg approached us with a mission to prevent other families from experiencing such heartbreak. What began as a focused initiative within the Jewish community has evolved into a broader outreach program, touching lives throughout the region through interactive, dynamic presentations that resonate deeply with our audiences. On Tuesday, November 12, we invite you to join us for a special performance of Freedom Song at the Katz JCC. This powerful musical, performed by individuals in recovery, opens hearts and minds to important conversations about addiction and healing. Through the generous support of Gregg Wolfe, in memory of his son Justin Matthew Wolfe, and the Jewish Community Foundation, we’re able to offer this meaningful experience in partnership with the Katz JCC Festival of Arts, Books & Culture free of charge to our community. To reserve your seat, please click HERE.

As we settle into the rhythm of Cheshvan, we are grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with you. Each story represents a thread in the tapestry of our community, woven together with compassion, support, and hope.

Jill & Melanie, Associate Executive Directors

Top Row: Jefferson Medal Ceremony; Temple Beth Sholom food drop off. Middle Row: Congregation Beth Tikvah food drop off; Congregation Kol Ami food drop off. Bottom Row: Adath Emanu-El food drop off; Congregation Beth El food drop off.